Friday, November 11, 2011

Perhaps no greater words have been spoken with regards to the value, importance, and significance of education. However, the great equalizer that Dr. Irving McPhail reference is now facing a myriad of challenges. One looming challenge is the state of the teaching profession, more specifically the number of males entering teaching. There has been a major emphasis on the shortage of African American male teachers. As you know, Forest Of The Rain Productions has been a leading voice on the importance of increasing the number of African American male teachers. Thus the impetus for our national initiative Men Make A Difference Day, our radio discussions and our television interviews with seminal researchers in the area of male teacher recruitment.

The African American male teacher makes up less than 2% of the teaching profession. While increasing the African American male teachers will not end all that ails the educational systems across America, their presence can send a message to all young learners that teaching is profession worthy of your consideration.

There is a great article on the state of education and the need to create a new type of teaching workforce. The article features Mr. Will Thomas, PGCPS 2009-2010 “Teacher of the Year”. Mr. Thomas’ article appears in the November edition of Black Enterprise. Please read and enjoy.

If you are interesting in more information regarding the need for African American male teachers, please visit the links below.

Prince George's County Public Schools student Board of Education member expresses her concerns

School Of Fish

Followers

Living Education Magazine

Parental Engagement Survey

Radio For The Engaged Parent and Dedicated Educator

It Is Great To Be An Involved Father

Maryland & National Parental Involvement Day

A Powerful Example of a Community Making a Difference

On Friday, April 9, 2010, 1,500 people attended the Boys II Men Film, Lecture and Volunteer Recruitment Fair. Father Michael Pfleger opened the heart of Saint Sabina Church for this effort. Janks Morton directed and produced the film. Sixty-three mentoring and community organizations recruited volunteers after the film and lecture. Comella Sledge organized the event for The Black Star Project. One of the best ways to address youth violence in Chicago and across America is "Men II Boys". Please click here to see a fantastic, instructive two minute film clip of this great event at (http://vimeo.com/11007994)

Please call 773.285.9600 for more information about "Men II Boys" Chicago. Special thanks to The Open Society Institute's Camp